Spring is one of the best times of year to get outside with your pets. Longer walks, more time in the yard, and plenty of fresh air.
It is also when parasites come back in full force.
As temperatures rise, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites become much more active, putting both dogs and cats at risk, even if they spend most of their time indoors.
In this week’s Vet Video Series, Dr. Jake Smiley explains what to watch for and how to protect your pet before small issues turn into bigger problems.
Watch the Video
Why Parasites Are More Common in Spring
Warmer weather and increased humidity create the perfect environment for parasites to thrive.
During the spring and summer months, we see a significant increase in:
- Fleas on dogs and cats
- Ticks that can transmit diseases like Lyme disease
- Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and giardia
Pets can pick up parasites from grass, soil, other animals, or even inside your home.
Common Parasites in Dogs and Cats
At Columbia Pike Animal Hospital and Emergency Center, these are the most common parasites we diagnose:
Fleas
Fleas cause itching, skin irritation, and can quickly spread throughout your home.
Ticks
Ticks attach to your pet and can transmit serious diseases, making prevention critical.
Intestinal Parasites
Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and giardia are common and often go unnoticed early on.
Symptoms to Watch For
Some pets show clear signs, while others may not show symptoms right away.
Watch for:
- Scratching or biting at the skin
- Hair loss or irritation
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Weight loss
- Low energy
Routine testing is key, because many parasites are not visible until they become a bigger issue.
Prevention Is the Best Protection
The most effective way to protect your pet is through year-round parasite prevention.
We recommend:
- Monthly flea and tick prevention
- Routine fecal testing
- Regular wellness exams
- Preventive medications tailored to your pet
Wellness Plans Make It Easy
At Columbia Pike Animal Hospital and Emergency Center, our wellness plans are designed to make parasite prevention simple and consistent.
These plans include:
- Parasite screening and routine testing
- Preventive medications for fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites
- Scheduled exams to catch issues early
- Predictable monthly payments
Wellness plans take the guesswork out of your pet’s care, so nothing gets missed.
24/7 Care, No Emergency Fees
One of the biggest advantages of being a client at Columbia Pike is access to 24/7 emergency care, every day of the year.
Unlike many emergency hospitals, we do not charge an additional emergency fee. Your exam is the same cost, whether it is during the day or in the middle of the night.
If a parasite-related issue becomes urgent, you have immediate access to care without worrying about unexpected costs.
Connected Care Across Our Sister Hospitals
Your pet’s care does not stop at one location.
As part of our family of hospitals, you also have access to:
- Town and Country Animal Hospital
- Animal Clinic of Clifton
All three hospitals share medical records, making it easy to get seamless care wherever you go.
Don’t Wait Until You See a Problem
By the time you notice fleas, ticks, or symptoms, the problem is already underway.
Spring is the time to get ahead of parasites before they impact your pet’s health and your home.
If your pet is due for an exam or parasite screening, we are here 24/7 to help.